Environmental Ambassadors

At the Long Island Fencers’ Club, our mission extends beyond the fencing strip. We strive to be "Beacons of Light" in our community, working together to make a positive difference. Through our “Let the Sunshine” volunteer initiative, which includes food drives, cancer car washes, cleanups, and more, we are reminded daily of the power of generosity and compassion.

To everyone who has given so freely and kindly, whether by donating food, toiletries, or time. We want to express our deepest gratitude. Your willingness to help those in need truly brightens the lives of others. Each can of food, every item collected, and each hour volunteered is a ray of hope for someone who may be struggling. You are making a real difference for our neighbors, friends, and especially for senior citizens who appreciate knowing they are not forgotten.

We are incredibly proud of our students and their families for embracing the spirit of giving. Your selfless acts set a powerful example for others and embody the very values our club holds dear. Thank you for showing kindness, empathy, and leadership, not just as fencers, but as caring members of our community.

To all those who continue to support our efforts, please know that your generosity is inspiring and deeply valued. By working together, we truly “Let the Sunshine” on those who need it most.

With heartfelt thanks,

The Long Island Fencers’ Club

Long Island Fencers' Club Environmental Beautification Ambassador Vivienne Cranz, USA Fencing

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Vivienne Cranz as a "Let the Sunshine Ambassador" of Environmental Beautification for Suffolk County, New York. Ambassador Vivienne is responsible for developing a strategic plan to help remove trash from Western/Eastern Suffolk County Parks and Beaches, recruiting and directing volunteers, coordinating cleanup efforts with State, County, and local governments, and maintaining records.

Vivi is a primary school student with a big heart and big plans. She hopes to pursue a career in Conservation and Environmental Science in the very near Future.

Vivi is an active and committed Support Level Steward of Back to the Bays, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Marine Program & Long Island Shellfish Restoration Project. She began in this role at the age of 7, as one of the youngest contributing and volunteering members. As a Steward, she volunteers for fieldwork, including marine plant and animal care in the shellfish and coastal plant nurseries as well as release sites.

Vivi is part of the team, directly supporting the efforts of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Marine Program. Since 1985, the Marine Program has been working to increasing the water quality of Long Island’s local bays, improving habitat availability for our marine species, enhancing and restoring stocks of commercially and recreationally important shellfish, providing meaningful volunteer opportunities to the public, and educating youth about the importance of protecting and preserving our marine ecosystem and maritime heritage.

Vivi is an avid student of science, as well as a foil, epee and saber fencer, beginning her fencing journey at age just 6. She is also a swimmer and beginning violinist.

Vivi Is a Junior Park Ranger at Fire Island National Seashore.

Vivi’s outgoing, engaging, supportive and kind wining her school’s Social Butterfly Award and school awards for:

“Being Safe, Respectable, and Responsible”

“Working Hard and Never Giving Up”

“Dreaming Big and Reaching for the Stars”

“Making a Positive Difference in the School and Greater Community”

Long Island Fencers Club, Technology Recycling and Reuse, Ambassador Layne Cranz, USA Fencing

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Layne Cranz as a "Let the Sunshine” Ambassador of Technology Recycling and Reuse for Suffolk County, New York. In this role, Layne will develop a strategic plan to promote the responsible removal, recycling, and reuse of post-consumer technology products and equipment throughout New York State. His responsibilities include recruiting and managing volunteers, coordinating with state, county, and local governments, nonprofit organizations, corporate sponsors, sanitation departments, and recycling centers, and maintaining detailed records of all activities.

Layne is an honor roll junior high school student with aspirations to pursue a career in robotics. From an early age, he has shown a deep passion for coding, 3D design, engineering, and robotics, participating in programs and workshops through Sylvan, the YMCA, and SCOPE.

As a robotics enthusiast, Layne has achieved success in the FIRST® LEGO® League Robotic Challenge, reaching the championship level with his team and earning the Tinkerer Masterpiece Award. He currently competes in the VEX Robotics program.

Beyond robotics, Layne is an accomplished athlete. He competes on his junior high school’s cross-country team and fences on the high school varsity fencing team, a distinction he earned early, in the seventh grade. Layne began fencing at the Long Island Fencers Club while still in elementary school. Layne is also an avid swimmer, surfer, snowboarder, and kayaker. Layne also appreciates live music. He plays upright bass both in his school orchestra and during his free time.

Layne seeks to balance his affinity for technology with a commitment to environmental stewardship. He is interested in sustainable practices, reuse, and technology recycling. He is an active and committed Support Level Steward of Back to the Bays, the Cornell Cooperative Extension Environmental Marine Program. His volunteer work through this organization helps to rid Long Island Beaches of debris, restore and foster native marine life. Layne is committed to making the world a better place through technological innovation. His role as Ambassador of Technology Recycling and Reuse will enable Layne to support and promote the diversion of tech waste from local landfills and provide individuals in high-risk communities nationwide with access to needed technology. Layne is driven by a vision of a better future with mutually reinforcing innovation, responsibility, and sustainability.

Layne would be working with:

Huntington Recycling Center

641 New York Ave, Huntington, NY 11743

(631) 446-3653

https://huntingtonny.gov/RecyclingCenter

Town of Brookhaven Materials Recycling Facility

Town of Brookhaven Landfill,

350 Horseblock Road, Brookhaven, NY 11719

(631) 451-8696

https://www.brookhavenny.gov/417/Town-Solid-Waste-Management-Facility

Secure the Call - Saving Lives, One Phone at a Time

For 21 years, Secure the Call – a 501(c)(3) non-profit – has provided free 911 phones and tablets to Victims of Domestic Violence, Senior Citizen Centers, unhoused, and other high-risk communities across the country. Your old devices can save lives.

https://securethecall.org/

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Elefonte as a "Let the Sunshine" Ambassador of Environmental Beautification.

Ambassador Shane Elefonte is a remarkable 12-year-old sixth grader at Northport Middle School whose diverse talents and unwavering commitment to community make him an exemplary candidate for opportunities in the arts, service, and leadership. With a blend of creativity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit, Shane stands out as a young leader poised to make a meaningful impact.

Shane is a skilled cellist in the Northport Middle School orchestra, where he not only performs in concerts but also works closely with his peers to share the joy of music with the community. His passion for music is evident in his performances and his willingness to collaborate, inspiring others and enriching the cultural life of his school.

Theatre is another central passion for Shane. He has held numerous roles at prestigious venues, including the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport and the Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts. Through his performances, Shane connects deeply with audiences, bringing stories to life with joy and love. His theatrical endeavors showcase his creativity and ability to engage with others through expressive storytelling.

Shane is an engaged member of Northport Middle School’s Community Service Team. He actively participates in drives, clean-ups, and events that strengthen local ties, whether leading projects or working alongside his classmates. Shane’s dedication to helping others and improving his community is continually demonstrated through his actions.

Most recently, Shane was named Environmental Ambassador to the Preservation of Eaton’s Neck Beach (POENB) in Eaton’s Neck, NY. In this distinguished role, he educates peers and residents about coastal conservation, leads beach clean-ups, and promotes sustainable practices to safeguard the shoreline for future generations. Shane’s leadership in environmental stewardship is a testament to his sense of responsibility and vision for a better future.

This year, Shane discovered fencing, a sport that quickly captured his interest and challenged him to develop new skills. Embracing the discipline, strategy, and athleticism required, Shane approaches every practice with enthusiasm. His growing focus and resilience not only benefit his performance in fencing but also enhance his approach to other areas of life.

Shane Elefonte brings creativity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit to every endeavor. Whether in the arts, service, or athletics, he consistently demonstrates a willingness to learn, lead, and make a difference. Shane is eager to contribute his skills and continue growing within a supportive team or program, making him an outstanding candidate for future opportunities that value passion, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.

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